Through observing the global climate system，the climate variability and magnitude of the climate change can be confirmed and the cause for the climate change can be further understood. In 1992，the Global Climate Observing System（GCOS）programme was co-sponsored by several international organizations，in which the concept of essential climate variables was introduced. These variables cover atmospheric，oceanic and terrestrial observational data. In response to the increasing demand for the climate observation and climate service by international society，GCOS will release new implementation plan at the end of 2016，with emphasis on the adaption to the climate change and regional climate impact. This will provide additional support to the climate service and promotion for the comprehensive climate observation system. In consideration of the characteristic of the regional climate change and specific national conditions，China should strengthen top-level design and overall planning，and steadily promote the climate observation and modernization of climate information services.